CBB Coaches Predict March Madness Winner, Top Cinderellas for NCAA Tournament in Poll

Arizona is the most popular pick to win the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament based on the opinion of 25 coaches and scouts, whose thoughts were collected in a poll conducted by ESPN's Jeff Borzello and Alaina Getzenberg.

Twelve of those 25 picked Arizona, the Big 12 champion and the No. 1 overall seed in the West region of the tournament. The Wildcats are ranked No. 2 overall in the country heading into March Madness behind only Duke.

"When you play Arizona, you have to be ready for a heavyweight fight," one coach told ESPN. "They're so big, so physical, so strong at every position. ... There's no softness to them. There's no quit in them. They just keep their heads down and keep playing. It's like an old-school bully. When it's over, they've just physically ripped you.

Duke (five picks), Michigan (three), Florida (two) were the only other schools to receive multiple votes. Houston, Purdue and UConn received one vote apiece.

The coaches and scouts were also asked about four potential Cinderella teams in Miami (Ohio), Akron, South Florida and Northern Iowa. Miami (Ohio) was the only one of those teams that hadn't clinched a first round spot at the time of the poll with the RedHawks facing SMU in the First Four.

One American Conference assistant coach particularly liked No. 11 seed South Florida, which has become a trendy upset pick against Louisville. Of note, the No. 6 seed Cardinals will be missing star freshman guard Mikel Brown Jr., who averaged 18.2 points per game, with a back injury.

"They rebound at such a high level, especially for us," the coach said. "They depend on those extra possessions.

"They spread you out and then [Izaiyah] Nelson down low, he's such a difference-maker. ... You think you've got an advantage down low with size, but he's so quick-twitched, he can do so many things defensively. ... It's a huge key they have. I have no doubt he'll have success against Louisville, to be honest with you. He can have success against size and athleticism.

"Especially if you can't put pressure on the offensive boards or you don't rebound it well, they're extremely efficient at getting out and getting to the rim. ... They spread you so quick and they can make shots with several different guys."

The first round of the NCAA tournament begins on Thursday at 12:15 p.m. ET, when No. 9 seed TCU plays No. 8 seed Ohio State.